Could mandibular fractures lead to obstructive sleep apnea?

OBJECTIVE

To detect and assess obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) before and after repair of different types of mandibular fractures.

METHODS

In patients with traumatic isolated mandibular fractures who were indicated for open reduction and internal fixation (OR/IF), polysomnography (PSG) was done before and 3 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Of 51 patients (80 mandibular fractures), fractures were unilateral in 29 patients (56.9%) and bilateral in 22 patients (43.1%). PSG was normal in 33 patients (64.7%), and OSA was detected in 18 cases (35.3%); all had bilateral fracture. Mild OSA was reported in 9 cases (17.65%), and moderate OSA was detected in 9 cases (17.65%). Three months after OR/IF of the fractures, successful reduction was obtained, and PSG was within normal limits in all patients.

CONCLUSION

Bilateral mandibular fractures often lead to OSA, which could be cured with proper OR/IF of the fractures. OSA is not encountered in unilateral fractures.